*Dumpster* Fyre Festival

If you haven’t watched one of the documentaries on the Fyre Festival, stop what you’re doing, pull up Hulu, and watch it.

I’m not joking.

Because this story is wild.

If the name Fyre Festival rings a bell, it’s because it was this exclusive, luxury music festival that crashed and burned in a blaze of social media glory. The scam of the century.

Ja Rule & Billy McFarland

Put on by Ja Rule, and Billy McFarland (now in jail), and promoted by hundreds of models and influencers on Instagram – including Kylie Jenner, Hailey Bieber, Bella and Gigi Hadid – this extravagant music festival was going to be held on a private island in the Bahamas, with single day tickets ranging between $1500 and $250,000. Attendees were promised opulent villas, yacht parties, A-List celebs, delectable food, and not-to-miss performances. In paradise.

What they got: FEMA disaster relief tents, no running water, and this pathetic cheese sandwich:

@trev4president : twitter

In the last month, both Huluand Netflix released documentaries on the entire scam.

I have seen both, and personally recommend Hulu’sFyre Fraud over Netflix’sFyre: The Greatest Party that Never Happened. Hulu’s includes an in-depth interview with Billy McFarland, himself. While, in a conflict of interest, the Netflix doc was produced by Jerry Media – who was in charge of the media for the Fyre Festival – and as a result, they wrote themselves out of the history, and dodged blame in their documentary. #NotCool #NotHonest #NotEthical

But one of the main reasons this fiasco got picked up by the mainstream media — in a FYREstorm of coverage, I might add 😉 — is because everyone seemed to get so much enjoyment out of seeing wealthy, young millennials suffer.

The late night talk show hosts had a field day, joking that these head-in-the-clouds millennial suckers finally got what was coming for them.

Laughing at how stupid these young people were for buying into and believing that what they saw on Instagram would actually be true.

Which, to be fair, it was pretty entertaining to hear (seemingly spoiled), young, crop-top wearing social media “influencers” complaining to news crews about not having a yacht party, and crying that their luxury music festival was botched.

The situational comedy was not lost on me.

But.

I get it.

Most people are looking at this whole fiasco as one giant lesson in the abuse of power and influence in this era of hyper obsession with Instagram and social media.

Which – it is. Billy McFarland – through Jerry Media – marketed the entire festival through Instagram – with lust-worthy images of models, and jet skis, and the bluest oceans and just this luxury experience you couldn’t live without.

So in that regard, they’re absolutely right.

However.

I think it is a glaring lesson in something entirely different. Something far more revealing.

It’s not a hilarious example of how bone-headed millenials are. It’s how desperately lacking we are for true fulfillment.

There’s a concept that many Christians are aware of – and it’s that of a “God-sized hole” that we all have in our hearts.

One that we hopelessly – and unsuccessfully – try to fill with anything and everything this world can offer, all in an attempt to feel the love and fulfillment that only can come from God.

For me, it was my anorexia. I slaved for years trying to find my worth and value from the number on the scale. Never feeling that love. Never feeling truly seen, or known, or worth something.

But for others, it’s the pursuit of success. Or power. Or alcohol. Or shopping. Or empty sexual experiences. Or porn. Or overindulging in food.

You name it.

We’re all on this desperate quest to fill that “God-sized” hole that we have to feel known, loved, seen, and worthy.

And Billy played into that, whether he realized he was doing it or not.

I get it.

Seeing those exclusive shots on Instagram of this unattainable life that you can buy for a weekend – people bought into it like hotcakes. Why? Because it was just another attempt to find purpose and worth in this world.

Watching the festival documentaries from that perspective, it kind of changed the game for me. No longer was I joining in the laughter at how stupid these rich white kids were for flying down to the Bahamas for a lavish weekend, only to be greeted by sheer pandemonium. But rather, feeling completely heartsick for the degree of our hunger for what only the Father can fill.

Which, take it from this formerly 78 pound anorexic — we can go to the absolutely depths to seek fulfillment on our own, but it is only through seeking and surrendering to God, that we will ever make it out of here alive.

So please – pull up Hulu. Make yourself a cheese sandwich. Watch one of the documentaries. And remember that there’s no music festival you can buy that will achieve what Jesus did on the Cross.

MAGIC TOOTHPASTE? Yes! I am in love with this superior whitening toothpaste. It keeps my smile sparkling, without sensitivity or bleach! I made a website where you can directly order this miracle product! So if you want to give it a try, you can go ahead and grab a tube for yourself. I promise, your smile will thank you!

Be sure to check out my affiliate, Audible. Listening to audiobooks while I cook is literally my new favorite thing. And just for you, they’re offering a Free 30-Day Trial Membership. And with this free membership, you’re going to get 2 free audiobooks! Literally. Free. It is the best deal ever. And if for some reason, you decide it’s not for you, you can cancel within those 30 days and it’s zero money out of your pocket, plus, you get to keep the 2 audiobooks. Soooo…it’s pretty much a no brainer. Plus, it’s a free and easy way to support this blog! So thank you!!

For Podcast versions of my posts, please check out Patreon! It’s only $2 a month!! You make this blog possible 🙂

And really quickly, I’ve had several questions concerning my Amazon link (amazon.com/shop/beautybeyondbones) — You do not need to buy one of my specific highlighted products on my page, in order for it to “credit” my account. Any purchases that you search or make from anywhere on Amazon, after first visiting my Amazon page, will credit this blog and help support this blog ministry. I am truly so grateful and appreciative to those of you wanting to do so! So thank you! Again, it is an absolutely free, and easy way for you to help keep this blog going!

Hey John! Yeah it was really sad and really fascinating to see it play out on the screen! Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love XOXO oh… Billy is in jail for six years and faced with a 100 million Dollar lawsuit.

The news media likes to put their own twist on the news. Their viewpoint seems to want to blame the victims rather than the one’s who perpetrated the crime. There is a point to this story, to not trust all that glitters. Many are fooled by fool’s gold that has a bright glitter but is not true weighty gold. The news really should show compassion not judgment.

As I read the first part of this I couldn’t help wondering why you were writing about this on BBB. Then I was schooled with the blinding light of the obvious. YES! The God-sized hole that so many have in their hearts!

I’m reminded of a bit of dialogue from the movie, American President. AJ, an advisor, is arguing with the president over policy and leadership, paraphrasing:

“Mr. President, people are so thirsty for leadership that they will crawl through the desert toward a mirage and when they find out there’s no water…they’ll drink the sand.”
“AJ, they don’t drink the sand because they’re thirsty. They drink the sand because they don’t know the difference.”

In the context of the Fyre scam, I feel truth in both statements. Some people drink the sand, because they haven’t found real water. Some don’t know the difference.

That is where BBB and other Christian bloggers come into play, to show where the water is, to show the difference between the Water of Life Jesus offered the woman at the well and mere H2O.

Thanks for sharing the story and directing us to a better version on Hulu of what happened!

This is a great quote!! I believe also that some people haven’t been shown Christ in the true light. They’ve been told since you come as you as you can remain there and that God is this genie in the sky who will give you an easy life once you come to Him. It’s soooo sad. We can’t water down or sugar coat the gospel; just as we can’t surround it with fire and brimstone. Jesus spoke truth and did so with love and grace. And people flocked to Him unless they were scared or blinded by their previous religious philosophy. It’s so fascinating when we study how He lived and interacted with people! I’m rambling so I’ll stop! Really liked this comment and this post from Caralyn!

Shell, first I thank you for your kind comments! Your comment about people not having been shown Christ in their true light reminded me of a book I recently read: That’s What the Old Ones Say by Chief Joseph Riverwind. It’s a fascinating and even heartbreaking account of Christianity and North American Indians. One of their ancient prophecies was that one day strangers would come with “talking leaves” to enlighten them about the Great Spirit, Creator. The prophecy also warned of the great pain that would come with them. Indeed, Catholic missionaries came with books – talking leaves – but they also subjugated the Indians. This is why they resist Christianity to this day! How many times have Christians not presented Jesus properly & accurately and repelled them from the Gospel? Well, you certainly did not ramble, but I’m afraid I did! Thank you again for your kind and perceptive comments!!

I didn’t think you rambled at all! I will add the boom to my reading list for this year. I believe it’s time we challenge ourselves to show up for Jesus as if our lives and others depended upon it – especially since they all do!

Wow Jeff, I have never heard that quote before, but to say that my mind is blown is an understatement! Thank you for bringing that into my life! And gosh, what a kind thing to say about my
bbblog! (See what a did there?? 😎) but for real, thank you Jeff. Hugs to you and Julie!

This made me think of the people who followed Jesus for the miracles and free food after he fed the 5000. Jesus knew that some were there for the wrong reasons but he kept preaching for the ones he knew would be saved by it. And even his disciples thought that Jesus would usher in the kingdom for the Jews immediately. In today’s world, I believe that people want things instantly even more than 20 years ago. The idea of heaven and eternal life with God is too far away for them. But we must keep telling people the truth.

I like the comparison! Yes, thanks to the internet, video, games, etc. people expect everything NOW. I especially like your observation that Jesus kept preaching even though He knew they were listening for the wrong reasons. At least some would really hear Him at some point!

Watched both and agree with you, people are hungry for God. But in a society and culture where we promote “Anything goes”, and speak only to the few while blasting the majority, people can’t see Him. They are looking but this is where we must ask ourselves, “Are we demonstrating His love adequately?” I believe if we had more Christians living like Christ did, we’d have more people coming to live with Him and realizing their true goals and values.

I too felt Hulu did a better job. It seemed to me like the Netflix one didn’t give enough of the story in terms of the follow up and the background. Instead it seems to glorify it and show this picture of “how ignorant rich millennials are”, as you kind of alluded to. It was more laughing at them than Hulu.

Amen. I’ve wanted to watch this but haven’t yet (I assume there’s a lot of immodesty?) Which means I’ll need to watch it without my husband to protect his repentant heart…..but it’s fascinating what people will fall for, and truly so sad.

I’ve seen people posting so much about these documentaries but, with all the speed at which these Netflix and Hulu “must-sees” come out, I just was about to pass on anything about this as I had no idea what they were about. (I had missed the whole hulabalaoo.) But now that I know what this was all about, thanks to you, I’ll watch the Hulu documentary. And thank you for sharing your story about your anorexia. You are inspiring! Stay strong.

When I watched the one on Netflix, I thought the same thing. I was definitely laughing in the moment when I first heard about the concept of what happened, but shortly after my heart broke for those people who were being taken advantage of. I have hope humanity finds its way and even though this happened, I’m glad to know it’s people like us who have a fire lit in our souls to consider our fellow man. <3

For a down to the wire blog, (re Twitter), Holy Spirit came through again, Caralyn.
It is so sad and heartbreaking that many in the world, all ages, all backgrounds, think that joy, satisfaction, fulfillment can be purchased, of had at some particular location of their choosing, as they also choose how much of their life they may be giving away or losing at the same time.
Again, people of all ages, all backgrounds, can receive joy and fulfillment in Jesus Christ, if they will only listen as Holy Spirit calls them. This is done in a variety of ways, through a friend, relative, co-worker, fellow student, neighbour. Hey: I am / we are one or more of those, I / we can be the vessel Holy Spirit will use, do I / we listen for His voice to direct us?
Anyway, the cost to become a Christian is free, zero, zilch, because Jesus Christ paid the entire price of sin for all who ever lived, if we will accept His gift. But the cost to be a Christ follower is everything. To truly follow and serve Jesus Christ, we need to give everything we have and everything we are, to Him. But oh! We get so much back in return, Eternal Life with Father, Son, Holy Spirit, as well as Holy Spirit living within us here on earth until we graduate to Heaven. Holy Spirit will guide and direct us, showing us the Plans and Purposes God has had for us since before creation. Then He gives us Wisdom and Strength to fulfill HIS Plans.
And—- we can call out and talk to Jesus at any time, and He hears us.

I could go on and on, as you know Caralyn, but I have gone long enough.

Thank you for your availability for Holy Spirit to continually minister through you, Caralyn. You are a BLESSING!!

Haha thank you George. The Holy Spirit never lets us down!! You’re spot on: fulfillment can’t be purchased. Only through Jesus! This was such an uplifting response. Amen – ANYTIME and He hears us! So glad you stopped by 💛 Big hugs xox

I get excited whenever I read one of your profound posts these days. You’re right! There’s something missing in each of us that can only be filled by reattachment to the universal family up there in heaven. The prodigal son realized that after being scammed and losing all his money too with festivals that had no lasting effect. In fact it bought him down physically, morally and financially. The good news is he decided to go back home, even as a servant. But the Heavenly Father did not condemn but welcomed him home knowing that he’d left his foolish life behind and was now totally committed to the family. 🙂

I haven’t watched it. I don’t have Hulu. And, honestly, this is the first I’ve ever heard of the Fyre Festival. It seems like I would have at least seen a news story if the event was this big. I don’t know why I haven’t… maybe because I don’t follow (or particularly care about) any of those influencer people. But I think you completely hit the nail on the head. Well written.

Thanks friend. Yeah it was a niche story roughly 2 years ago, but only now with the release of the docs has it kind of re-emerged in the pop culture news circuit. But it was certainly fascinating. Hugs and love xox

Thanks friend! Yeah unfortunately since i have a “business profile” they took away the reblog button. I have tried and tried to get it back but to no avail 😭 I’ve contacted WP and everything!! But thank you for the thought:) Hugs and love xox

I haven’t seen this yet, but I legit LOL’ed at your post! Thank you for making me laugh and sharing your perspective. You have a great way of writing with humor, no matter the subject at hand. I especially enjoyed the “watching millennials suffer” and your reference to “eating a cheese sandwich while you watch this” 😂 Classic!

I was gloriously unaware of the Fyre Festival (or non-festival). But I’m NOT unaware of scams. And victimized people. Thanks for continuing to point to God for the only way to fulfillment. All other ground is sinking sand!

Thanks for posting . I had seen it listed but not watched it, so I watched it last night when I saw your post. WOW. I had to watch the Netflix version because it’s free, but I would like to see what Billy has to say in the hulu one. I am blown away by his con-man abilities and how people did what he said, going against their best instincts and logic! I guess it was his charisma but also they had money as a goal that kept them blinded to the clues. He should be in prison for much longer than six years. I knew nothing about this and didn’t read all of your post until now so I wouldn’t get spoilers, and YES, I absolutely had the same feeling, “that’s what those rich brats get!” But I also felt very sad that this is the world they live in and how they feel and believe and live such empty lives searching after exclusive, elite parties and ‘metal credit cards???’. I’ve been feeling really sad lately, depressed actually, and the state of our world has been on my mind, everything from the changing weather and disasters, to politics, and wild animals coming into neighborhoods, and the wall furor and abortion laws, but mostly the anti-Christian hatred and increasing violence in all categories. Sigh. Pray for me . Come soon Lord Jesus!

I actually had my own thoughts about both documentaries (https://andysinsights.wordpress.com/2019/01/20/we-didnt-start-the-fyre-or-did-we/). What struck me about both was how much the festival-goers turned on each other. People stole mattresses, cut holes in tents, and stole food. This is as far from Christ as I feel we can get. The amount of selfishness and complete disregard for their neighbor floored me. I felt like we’ve lost the ability to care for other human beings. No one cared for each other. No one cared about each other. It made me weep.

Yesterday I attended an event held at the headquarters of one of the most important newspapers of Spain. (I was there as a volunteer for the organization because a political leader I like was going to give a speech). And there were a lot of famous journalists and people from the press world and many of them seemed so… empty. Old women (and men) with loads of botox to try to look young. Fake laughters and greetings. Ultra thin women in tight-fitting dresses. No naturalness or spontaneity. There was something so upsetting in the atmosphere and it made me sad. I’d never want to be part of that. And I’m sure many of those people would escape too if they believed true love and joy are waiting for them because God is desiring to give them everything. To give Himself to them.

YOU, beautiful young lady, really get life. I wrote a similar piece, “Do You Hate Facebook As Much As I Do?”, yesterday on my (not nearly as popular) blog. I’ve loathed the emptiness in social media, advertising, and media in general for quite some time. You really described the essence of the situation. Many times your posts stop me right in my tracks. Thank you for your honesty and your hunger for the knowledge of the Lord.

This is a great post! Thank you for sharing. I really enjoy your writing style and I look forward to your posts each week. In this post, I especially liked how you showed the way the worldly represented this event and then transitioned into how it could be viewed through the lens of belief in God. Cheers!

I was hesitant to watch the Hulu documentary because I figured it would have pretty much the same footage as the Netflix one so what would be the point? I just got done watching it and I do think it’s better in certain ways than the Netflix docu.

I’m from The Bahamas and currently live here. I didn’t know about this festival and lots of others here didn’t either (people in Exuma did though) I live in the capital. My thoughts on this whole Fyre Festival thing is that I am glad that my country was not held responsible for Mr. McFarland’s shenanigans.

I hope (but sadly doubt) the hundreds of Bahamian’s who labored night and day, in regard to construction work and providing food, will receive compensation. There are lawsuits against McFarland and several others but I think only the investors and maybe some of the “influencers” will gain from that.

As I sat here watching McFarland being interviewed all I can say is that I hope at some point during his 6 year prison stay he really sits and thinks about what he did and humbles himself. I also hope he comes to repentance and becomes a born again believer in Jesus Christ because in spite of what Billy did I felt compassion for him and even some of the others involved. There is forgiveness if he actually humbles himself and seeks Christ.

Thanks SLR! Wow what a powerful perspective. Gosh I’m with you – I am so heartsick for those who put in all that backbreaking work for Billy and were taken advantage of. I’m so sorry. Amen to that. Hugs and love xox

This may just be the greatest opportunity for the global Christian church to turn a negative into a positive for the gospel of Christ!

However this time, the FYRE event will be planned by global Christian Sponsors and we can offer the same tents with the simple amenities for free, yet have Christian Artists perform and give this younger generation what they truly seek and that is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ via the baptism of the Holy Spirit and with the FYRE that purifies the soul!

You hit that nail on the head- lacking fulfillment. And yes it can only be found in God. Everyday I pray that God fills me, heals me, and overflows in my life while showing me as I trust in God’s plan.

Hey there friend. Been a long time since I was able to comment on your blogs. I have been trying (and somewhat failing) to keep up with your pots but my lie has been a whirlwind lately. Anyway, that is not important. This was yet again an amazing blog with some true to heart words of wisdom. You still never cease to amaze me with your spiritual insight and heart moving testimony. Keep it up girl. You’re awesome! Much love.
Your friend – Paul2daB

I must live under a rock! You have an awesome way of putting things in perspective. Thank you for this post. It truly is amazing what one DOESN’T need or want when God’s peace is part of the equation. I appear to be lacking a bit when it comes to dark chocolate dipped in peanut butter…🤔😉

Yes, girl! Yes! It is this huge scale public platform up close and personal look at how badly people still need Jesus. How lost a whole generation is- and how desperate every lost soul is to fill that hole. Yes. Yes. Yes.